Brochures and press release

[toodles]

Our library has recently contacted me and would like to partner with us on our organization. They would like brochures and press release information. I am struggling with what is key to put into the brochure. Any suggestions or pointers on what I should focus on? Thanks!

[Kate]

Well, you first have to figure out why you need a brochure. What is the purpose? Then when you find the purpose, then you can go from there. If you don't have a purpose for the brochure, then really there is no point!

[toodles]

The purpose is to educate patrons of our organization. How much should go into the brochure? Graphics? Thanks!

[crunchies0313]

Well from a nonprofessional point of view... when I read brochures I prefer to just know the basics, and then have the information in case I would like to find out more. Graphics are great...attract attention, get people to read it. Figure out whats most important about your organization, or what you want them to know and go from there!!! Good Luck!

[Kate]

Also, from a design perspective, don't be afraid of white space. Graphics are great. In the words of my ol' ad professor: Keep it short and simple. Bullets and lists are great as well. Makes it easier to read than full paragraphs.

Also, think of who your target audience will be. That will help you with the design aspect.

[toodles]

Thanks for the tips ladies!

[Kate]

You might check out a bookstore and look in the design section. They have great tips and ideas on how to do things like that. Good luck!

[Kathy]

I googled "How to create a brochure" and got this:

http://desktoppub.about.com/od/lessonplans/l/aa_brochure2.htm

Looks like a great resource...

[triplej2676]

Wow... this is a question I think I am qualified to answer. For your brochure, make a 3-panel double fold brochure. The front should have your logo or a nice graphic and your organization name. Use a piece of printer paper to sketch it out. Inside, select some nice pictures or graphics that highlight your organization. Brainstorm and write down all the points you think are relevant to your organization, then prioritize them in the margin 1, 2, 3, etc. Then you can work on your layout. Your brochure could also be postcard style like 5x7, with your logo on the front and your points on the back. You can always summarize in a well written paragraph or two. Don't be too wordy with your brochure.

As for a press release... A good press release has NEWS in the first sentence. They are about 3-4 paragraphs long and include a solid quote. Don't tell the whole story in your press release, you want to entice people to contact you for more information. You can PM me if you want more help with a press release. I can send you some examples of my own personal work if they might help you!